Tips for Better Communication

Day one of a week of better communication tips from Dr. Salazar:

get the listener's attention before you begin talking.

Say her or his name or make a movement to signal them like a hand wave and wait a moment for their eye contact or response. Also consider touching the listener's hand, arm or shoulder lightly to gain attention. If a person with hearing loss hears better from one ear, move to that side of the person. These simple gestures will prepare the individual with hearing loss to listen and not miss the first part of the conversation.

These tips will likely seem like common sense but are often not used with the people we talk with the most.